Topic
Public Finance
5,915 speeches · 726 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 283 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 229 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 171 |
| 4 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 167 |
| 5 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 153 |
| 6 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 147 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P. SJB | 140 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 135 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 115 |
| 10 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 92 |
Speeches
5,915 on this topic- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Prof. Sena Nanayakkara supported the Appropriation Bill, describing it as the Government’s second Budget and urging Parliament and the Opposition to engage in more substantive debate rather than partisan heckling. He highlighted the Budget’s focus on broad-based benefits, productive economic development, and rural poverty eradication, arguing that it gives particular support to village communities. He cited irrigation and agricultural investments, including rehabilitation of 307 tanks in Anuradhapura District, allocations for irrigation development, canal and tank rehabilitation, and the restarted Lower Malwathu Oya project, as measures intended to improve cultivation, drinking water supply, flood control, jobs, and incomes. Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Second Reading Debate Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Under Standing Order No. 121(5)(i), Dr. Harsha de Silva stated that the Committee on Public Finance had completed its 70-page report on the assumptions of the Budget. He clarified that, contrary to a Daily Mirror headline, the Committee had not decided that the proposed Rs. 200 allowance for estate workers was unlawful, but had only agreed to bring related concerns to the Government’s notice. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Clarified that the apparent reduction between the 2025 and 2026 figures was due to Rs. 1,130 million recorded in 2025 as income from an Indian grant, not Treasury funds. Stated that steps had already been taken to spend those grant funds and that there was no reduction in the Ministry’s allocation. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Requested that increased revenue be used to raise allocations to the Ministry of Buddhasasana at the current stage of budget consideration. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa argued that the proposed allocation for Buddhasasana in 2026 falls by Rs. 1,330 million from the 2025 figure, and said such a reduction is inappropriate given the constitutional status accorded to Buddhism. He requested that the allocation be increased and urged the Government to expedite appointments for about 600 Dhamma University Higher Diploma holders and address the 14,000 who have passed the Dharmacharya Examination. He also stated that sufficient public revenue is available, citing high tax collections and revenue exceeding IMF expectations. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi provided figures on allocations related to Buddhist affairs, stating that Rs. 1,620 million was allocated under the Ministry, Rs. 463 million from the Department of Buddhist Affairs, and Rs. 70 million from the Buddhasasana Fund. He said these amounts total Rs. 2,154 million, apparently in response to the Leader of the Opposition. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi outlined allocations for Buddhasasana-related programmes, stating that a project on over 25 acres of allocated land was progressing well and expected to show strong financial and physical progress by the third week of December. He said the total allocation was Rs. 2,154 million, comprising Rs. 1,620 million under the Ministry, Rs. 463.5 million under the Department of Buddhist Affairs, and Rs. 70.3 million from the Buddhasasana Fund. He detailed major allocations including religious activities, Punya Grama, development of places of worship and rural temples, and solar power facilities for temples, and stated that no heads under the Department had been reduced. He tabled annexures setting out the allocations requested by the Leader of the Opposition. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Government is acting on matters concerning monks and anti-Sasana activities in line with the guidance of the Mahanayaka Theros of the Three Nikayas, including through the establishment of a Buddhasasana Council. He said Cabinet approval has been obtained to amend Sections 41 and 42 of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, with draft amendments sent to the Attorney General for observations. He also reported that Rs. 3,484 million was allocated for 2025, with Rs. 968.82 million in financial progress by 30 September, noting that commitments including the India-funded solar power project are expected to raise financial and physical progress above 90% by December. Question by Private Notice: Reforms to Piriven Education (Standing Order 27(2)) Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Hon. Kumara Jayakody said street lighting issues should be addressed holistically, with coordination between energy authorities and local bodies on supply, installation, maintenance, and switching practices. He emphasized efficient use of costly electricity, noting that if the Government or CEB-related entities absorb these costs, they may ultimately be passed on to all consumers, including those without nearby street lamps. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised a supplementary question about disparities in local authority revenues that have led some councils to remove street lamps because they cannot pay electricity bills. He asked whether, under the new reforms, measures would be introduced to address the problem and prevent communities from having to work or travel in darkness. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody JJB AI summary Responsibility for street lamp installation and maintenance lies with local authorities, while the CEB and Ministry only provide electricity connections. Kumara Jayakody noted concerns about unnecessary installations, neglected areas, favoritism, and unpaid electricity bills, including by high-revenue authorities such as the Colombo Municipal Council. He said the Government is considering a comprehensive approach for responsible installation, maintenance, and financing, with efforts to resolve outstanding issues by next year. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board issues monthly bills for street lighting, but local authorities have not paid them. He said the CEB has instructed that separate accounts be opened for street lamps under each local authority, with charges applied under a Public Utilities Commission-approved tariff. He emphasized that electricity supply costs must be recovered from the relevant consumers, while noting that the Government is discussing a suitable solution. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised Question No. 1477/2025 regarding charges levied on local authorities for the use of street lighting lamps. He sought clarification on the basis for such charges and the impact on local government bodies responsible for providing street lighting services. Oral Question 1477/2025: Use of Street Lighting Lamps by Local Authorities Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister responded to a question on Maduwanwela Walawwa, stating that the property developed from a pre-1700 residence into a historically significant Walawwa completed in 1905, and was handed to the Department of Archaeology in 1978. He detailed the ownership, land extent, compensation paid, and Gazette notifications that vested the property and later declared part of it an Archaeological Reserve with a 400-yard buffer zone. He also acknowledged a discrepancy between the 13 acres 3 roods 13 perches handed over in 1978 and the 7 acres 23 perches declared as a reserve in 2006, noting that inter-agency discussions have occurred but no final decision has been reached. Oral Question 1347/2025: Takeover of Maduwanwela Walawwa by Department of Archaeology Read →
- 12 November 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Hon. Aravinda Senarath said there is public and administrative uncertainty over land alienations and acquisitions, with records indicating past non-compliance and inadequate audits. He noted allegations that lands had been distributed to associates or relatives under previous political authorities and fragmented for activities such as gem mining. He stated that the Ministry intends to audit, regularize, and strengthen oversight to improve transparency and accountability in land use. Oral Question 1289/2025: Lands belonging to Land Reform Commission - Transfer Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister said temporary driving permits issued at Bandaranaike International Airport apply only to cars, vans and motorcycles, not three-wheelers or heavy vehicles, and are intended to support independent and longer-stay tourists. He stated that the current Rs. 2,000 fee set by Gazette would be revised to Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 45,000 depending on duration, after a new Gazette is approved. He added that three-wheeler permits are issued by the Automobile Association of Ceylon under long-standing practice, that Sri Lanka should consider alignment with the 1968 Vienna Convention, and that unlawful vehicle rental operations would be acted against regardless of ownership. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna briefly indicated that he wished to address the issue of foreign funds entering Sri Lanka. No specific proposals, questions, or policy details were provided in the speech excerpt. Adjournment: Termination of Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists (Three-wheelers) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe said the 2025 Budget allocations had not met expectations in the Eastern Province and noted that promised Indian-assisted development projects there had not commenced nearly a year later. He tabled expenditure data up to 30 September 2025 showing substantial underutilisation of allocations across several ministries and special expenditure heads, with spending rates ranging from 39 to 67 per cent in the examples cited. He urged Parliament and the Government to examine why allocated funds remained unspent despite public needs being raised by representatives. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake JJB AI summary Gamagedara Dissanayake defended the Budget as fiscally disciplined and goal-oriented, arguing that Opposition criticism reflected political disappointment rather than substantive analysis. He highlighted measures for the estate sector, particularly the Rs. 1,750 daily wage supported by a government contribution of Rs. 200, and called on the SJB to clarify whether it opposes that support. He also rejected claims that there would be no public sector recruitment, stating that around 70,000 merit- and needs-based stable jobs are planned for the following year. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →
- 11 November 2025 The Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage JJB AI summary Hon. Ajantha Gammeddage defended the Government’s second Budget, contrasting it with the former Wickremesinghe administration, which he accused of excessive taxation, spending on MP compensation, foreign travel, and large upward revisions to borrowing limits. He said the Budget sets six strategic goals, including targeting 7 per cent growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, and monitored development and relief programmes from January 2026. He also highlighted the proposed wage support for estate workers, with contributions from both the Government and estate companies, as a targeted intervention tied to productivity improvements. Debate: Second Reading of 2026 Budget Bill (Day 3, Afternoon/Evening) Read →